The Norman Public Schools District Computer Center does not install fixed-location digital video projectors or audio-video (AV) cabling. AV issues are normally handled through the NPS Media Services Department at ISC or by ourside contractors. Since the DCC does not support AV, we do make specific projector recommendations. However, most digital video projectors that you can find readily available should work with most computers. For what it's worth, the Proxima (InFocus) and, more recently, Dell projectors we've used here at the DCC have been excellent. Below are a few criteria you may want to consider before making a purchase.

Pre-Purchase Considerations

• Financial Considerations:
  • Price of the projector
  • Price & life of replacement lamps/bulbs
  • Price of cart, cabinet, or carrying case for mobile projector
  • Price & installation of mounting bracket or shelf for fixed-location projector
  • Price & installation of projection screen(s)
  • Price & installation of video cable(s)
• Image Considerations:
  • Brightness
  • Contrast ratio
  • Resolution
  • Aspect ratio: Normal (4:3) or Wide (16:9)
  • Zoom lens & desired image size
  • Keystone correction
  • Ambient light (Will you need curtains or blinds?)
• Physical Considerations:
  • Projector size & weight
  • Connections: VGA, SVGA, DVI, Composite, Component, HDMI, etc.
  • Will this projector be used now or in the future with other AV equipment?
  • Screen size & weight
  • Distance and angle to screen
  • Availability of computer, network outlet, and AC electrical outlet

Product Research & Shopping

Below are some links to web sites which offer buyer's guides, comparisons, news, and reviews that may help you find a digital projector that matches your needs and budget.

• Projector Central is one of the standard reference sites for reviews of and information about digital video projectors.
  • The Projector Central Buyer's Guide might help you determine what features you need.
  • The Projector Central list of Popular Education Projectors offers a few suggestions.
• CNET
• Projector Reviews
• PC Magazine
• PC World
• Projector Buying Guide
• Consumer Search
• Laptop Magazine
• Ultimate AV (UAV)

To see a list of general technology product research sites click here.

For a list of technology vendors - some of whom sell digital digital video projectors - click here.
(If I were looking for a projector I would shop at Dell, Provantage, K12Discount, CDWG, PC Mall Gov, & Tech Depot.)

Dual Displays

Many notebook/laptop computers offer an external display connection which is useful with portable projectors. Most allow you to see your image on the laptop display and on the projection screen at the same time ("dual displays"). Some people don't realize that many of our NPS desktop computers with LCD monitors are also capable of running dual displays without purchasing expensive graphics cards. We have a Dual Displays PDF document on our web site that discusses this in more detail. To run dual displays on one of our NPS desktop computers without purchasing additional video adapters you will need find a computer that has both an older style analog VGA connector and a newer style digital DVI connector on the back.

VGA Connector

DVI Connector

Purchasing Questions:	Technical Questions:
Shannon Benda Purchasing Secretary 405-447-6553 Fax: 405-573-3555 131 S. Flood, Norman, OK 73069 sbenda@norman.k12.ok.us	Bob Mackey Tech Support Specialist 405-366-5822 Fax: 405-366-5805 1133 W. Main, Norman, OK 73069 rmackey@norman.k12.ok.us	Kelly Stout Tech Support Specialist 405-366-5822 Fax: 405-366-5805 1133 W. Main, Norman, OK 73069 kellys@norman.k12.ok.us
Kim Bauer Director of Purchasing 405-447-6555 Fax: 405-573-3555 131 S. Flood, Norman, OK 73069 kbauer@norman.k12.ok.us	Lyndon Berglan Network Manager 405-366-5803 Fax: 405-366-5805 1133 W. Main, Norman, OK 73069 lberglan@norman.k12.ok.us	Bonnie Selzer Tech Support Manager 405-573-3522 Fax: 405-366-5805 1133 W. Main, Norman, OK 73069 bselzer@norman.k12.ok.us